We flew to Flores Island and then traveled by small boat to Rinca Island to photograph komodo dragons
KomodosIndonesiaKomodo DragonKomodo National ParkRinca Island
This small komodo dragon greeted us when we first stepped onto the Island.
KomodosFlores IslandIndonesiaKomodo DragonKomodo National Park
He gave us a "hiss" as a welcome greeting.
KomodosFlores IslandIndonesiaKomodo DragonKomodo National Park
We found several komodo dragons lying around during the afternoon heat.
Komodo dragons are the largest lizard on earth and are found only in Indonesia.
These deceptively slow-moving creatures can run at a speed of up to 12 mph.
Adult males grow to the size of 170-200 lbs, and females up to 150-160 lbs.
After viewing the docile komodo dragons we traveled to Komodo Island to Komodo National Park.
We were lucky to come across 6 komodo dragons on our hike through the jungle.
We had a guide with us who carried a forked stick and would use it when the komodo dragons would approach us.
Komodo dragons are carnivorous, eating small animals and deer.
They lay about 20 eggs in abandoned holes and incubate them for about 7-8 months.
Adults will vary from 7-8 feet in length.
Young komodos will live in trees to avoid predators, including adult male komodos.
Komodo dragons live to about the age of 30 years.
They are known to hunt in groups, working together to capture their prey.
A little known fact is that komodo dragons can dive in the water to about 15 feet.
This komodo dragon was licking honey on the tree.
After a fun hour of watching the six dragons, this one headed down the trail for a more peaceful morning.
We just wanted to show you we were amongst the komodo dragons, never closer than 10 feet.
KomodosIndonesiaJulie MartensKomodo DragonKomodo National ParkRainer
Here are a few other photos of birds we saw on the trip. These are two swallows.
This is a white-throated kingfisher. We saw several of these birds but they were often elusive.
KomodosBoneoIndonesiaKingfisher WhitethroatedTanjung Putin National Park
White-throated kingfisher from the back side.
KomodosBoneoIndonesiaKingfisher WhitethroatedTanjung Putin National Park
Another white-throated kingfisher.
KomodosBoneoIndonesiaKingfisher WhitethroatedTanjung Putin National Park
This is the colorful stork-billed kingfisher.
KomodosBoneoIndonesiaKingfisher WhitethroatedKingfisher storkbilledTanjung Putin National Park
An Indonesian kite flying high above us.
An eagle soaring above us.
We found this baby python hidden on a branch near the dock when we were loading to search for orangutans.
I rescued Julie from these attacking komodo dragons at the Flores Island airport.
